International cooperation for clean energy innovation

Joanna I. Lewis and Jiaqi Lu

Chapter 28 in Handbook of Energy Innovation, 2026, pp 552-569 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: A global push to promote clean energy innovation is a pre-requisite for a timely energy transition. In recent decades, international cooperation has emerged as a pivotal mechanism for advancing clean energy technologies and addressing pressing challenges in global decarbonization. Multilateral initiatives have played crucial roles in fostering collaboration among nations, driving research and development efforts, and mobilizing resources to accelerate clean technology innovation. Moreover, bilateral engagements between major actors underscore the significance of cross-border partnerships in driving innovation and technology transfer. In this chapter, we examine the landscape of international cooperation in energy innovation, highlighting key initiatives, mechanisms, and outcomes. We begin by discussing the rationale for cooperation. We then present examples of recent collaborations in the clean energy space. Next, we examine what barriers generally impede such cooperation, especially in the context of increasing geopolitical tensions surrounding clean energy. Finally, we discuss the outlook for international cooperation in energy innovation and potential future directions. We find that the outlook for continued international cooperation on energy innovation is not extremely positive, even though the potential benefit for the climate response is immense. As a result, there is a need to consider how to promote energy innovation cooperation even in an era of geopolitical competition over the development of clean energy technologies. In navigating these complexities, there is a growing imperative for multilateral and bilateral frameworks that can provide a platform for countries to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation, while also addressing the competitive concerns that arise from strategic dependencies.

Keywords: International Collaboration; Clean Energy Innovation; Multilateral Cooperation; Bilateral Cooperation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035310401
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